hidden treasures

Friday, April 25, 2008

I would love to be showing you something I have finished knitting, but the truth is, I have nothing. I did take the sleeves of Ruby to Florida with me, and did finish one. The other sleeve will hopefully be finished this weekend. For some reason, I just haven't been knitting my usual 2-3 hours a day. Maybe this summertime weather has something to do with it. I found some newfound energy lurking within, motivating me to get some things accomplished around here. And our evenings have been long and slow enjoying a lot of time outside.

So, instead of something I have made, I would love to show you something my mother made, in 1967.Yep, ever since I can remember, I have heard the clicking of my mothers knitting needles. She gave me this issue of fall/winter '67 Vogue Knitting a while ago. It in itself is a treasure. I really love these sketches, showing you a few variations of how the dress on the cover could be made.When my mother showed me this and asked me if I wanted it, you know my response! And can you imagine, 20oo beads and 2000 palliates. I never saw her wear it. She said she wore it a few times to cocktail parties. Oh, how I would love to have a photo of her in the dress, at a party. I can only imagine how cute she must have looked. Too bad she said she didn't make those matching earrings!

It probably won't get worn anytime soon, but I certainly won't part with it.

I will be back to knitting, cookies and regular blog reading next week.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Ha. I just looked closely at the photo. I am wearing the dress backwards!!! Oh well, you get the point.

What a cool story. My mom used to sew and made alot of dresses and skirts in the 70s. I never picked up sewing because I dove straight into knitting and cannot imagine having another craft obsession. I would have loved to own all of my mom's handmade stuff but she was alot more petite than me in her younger days. Bummer.

That's amazing--that she knit it, kept it, and gave it to you at a time when it's totally in style again. If I thought I could possibly tolerate all those beads and paillettes, I'd be tempted to knit it myself.

That is fantastic! I love that she saved the magazine too. Check out my blog as I scored a little time machine of old knitting magazines yesterday.

On your previous post I was in awe of your ability to knit on the beach. I always worry about sunscreen ruining my project. What do you knit on the beach? I'd love to find the perfect projects for summer sun fun.

That is such an incredible treasure! And definitely an added bonus that it fits you perfectly. I have the cardigan that my mom knitted my father when they were dating in high school. She actually made them matching cardigans. How cute. ;)

Oh my God! I love that dress -- I think it would be perfect for any office Christmas party -- it's gorgeous!! During the first year of her marriage, my mother knit her mother-in-law a three piece suit -- on 3 needles!! I would die to have it.

Love the dress! Unfortunately, my Mom is not a crafty woman (can you believe-she rarely sews a button on!) I do, however, have several infant dresses my Great-grandmother hand made (including hand made lace) for my Grandfather. I wore the dresses-as did my girls. I have packed them away--along with the smocked dresses I made, for my grandchildren.BTW--I rather like the dress backwards!

Leslie - there really is nothing left to say. That dress is incredible and it looks fantastic on you. Hopefully some day when digging through family photos you'll find a picture of your mom wearing it as well! g

O.M.G. That is AMAZING, you had better wear it Leslie, it is so incredible! You are absolutely right, the Vogue in and of itself is a treasure, let alone the dress! Perhaps you should make the matching earings (?!)...xoxo,Sabrina

WOW!! How fantastic. My mother was also a big knitter but nothing quite so glam. She did sew some gorgeous dresses throughout her life and I have occasionally worn them too. Isn't the magazine wonderful. The dress looks great on you. Maybe do another one without all the sparkly bits - would look great with pair of boots!

The dress is beautiful! You must be so glad that your Mom kept it. Little did she know she was knitting it for her daughter as well as hersel because it fits you beautifully. Never, never, never get rid of it! Thanks for sharing. It reminds us not to be so quick to get rid of our homemade items!

i think most people slow down with their knitting at this time of year. i know i have. there's just too many other things to take care of like the yard. and for me getting ready for dyeing. your knitting will pick up again. in the meantime your mother and this dress are amazing!

Whoa - that is all way too cool for words: even just having the magazine/pattern would have been awesome. But then having made the dress, worn it - and it fits you, too (like a dream, of course!)? That is all just incredible!